Experiences of men diagnosed with Prostate cancer in the four northern regions of Namibia
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Date
2015
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer have different experiences and express different emotions regarding their diagnosis. In daily conversations, some patients revealed that they were totally surprised by the diagnosis, others expressed that they were in denial, while some anticipated their diagnosis. As a result, a qualitative study aimed at exploring and describing the experiences of men diagnosed with prostate cancer was carried out in the four northern regions: Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto. A phenomenological, explorative and descriptive design was followed as the basis for conducting the study. The data was collected through in-depth interviews conducted at an intermediate hospital in the northern part of the country. A sample of ten (10) men diagnosed and living with prostate cancer was selected using a purposive sampling technique. The sample size was determined by saturation of data as reflected in repeating themes.
Rich data on participants’ experiences with prostate cancer after being diagnosed was obtained through individual interviews. During these interviews, participants were asked only one central question: “What is your experience with prostate cancer after being diagnosed?” Interviews were tape recorded and field notes were taken during the interview to ensure that all experiences of the participants were captured. Communication skills were employed to encourage participants to verbalize their experiences regarding prostate cancer. Interview data was transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed according to Tesch’s eight steps of coding. The steps entail a process of breaking down, examining, comparing and categorizing the raw data. The researcher and an independent qualitative research expert carried out the coding. Four (4) themes emerged and form the study’s results. Measures to ensure trustworthiness, as proposed by Polit & Beck (2012), were used to ensure reliable and valid findings. It became evident that men diagnosed and living with prostate cancer had different experiences after their diagnoses, some experienced physical discomfort and physiological changes in their bodies. It was recommended that more emphasis should be put on supportive care towards men diagnosed with prostate cancer to reduce the burden of various experiences after being diagnosed with the disease. Community-based health education programmes on prostate cancer are needed to create awareness and knowledge on the disease. Individual approaches to assist men with their thoughts and feelings after being diagnosed with prostate cancer should be considered, as well as the incorporation of strategies to be more effective at obtaining social support. Existing misconceptions about prostate cancer that are likely to influence how men prioritize to cope with the diagnosis needs to be addressed. It is also recommended that a model to facilitate effective communication should be developed with the aim of improving interaction between nurses and doctors with men diagnosed and living with prostate cancers and their families.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Nursing Science
Keywords
Prostate cancer